Airbnb Launches Friend-Powered Travel Maps and AI Search, and Laundry and Baby Gear Delivery

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Photo: Airbnb

The main addition is a social layer. Travelers can invite family, friends, and past travel companions to connect on Airbnb, and the app also suggests connections based on previous trips. Once connected, users can see each other’s trips on an interactive Travel Map. The map shows where connections stayed, which experiences or services they booked, and the reviews they left. From there, users can save places to a wishlist or message a connection directly.

Users choose which trips appear on their map and how much detail each one shows. They can hide or remove trips, or block a connection, at any time.

Tapping the map also opens new neighborhood pages. These summarize an area’s character, things to do, restaurants, and transportation options, using input from guests, hosts, and other sources.

AI comes to search

Photo: Airbnb

Starting in the US, Airbnb is adding AI throughout the booking process. A new search bar accepts typed or spoken requests across homes, experiences, and services. Filters can now be searched by keyword, so typing “baby” brings up options like cribs and playgrounds. Search results will include AI-written summaries of each home’s key features. A new comparison view lines up wishlisted homes side by side. AI support chat now covers more than 50 languages, and voice support is on the way.

Airbnb is also adding more practical categories to its Services lineup, rolling out through the end of the year. In select US cities, guests can schedule laundry pickup through Rinse, with free pickup, delivery, and next-day rush service. Starting in November, BabyQuip will deliver and set up cribs, strollers, and high chairs in more than 60 US cities, and Airbnb guests get 10 percent off. Grocery delivery is expanding to Europe, and select European cities are getting restaurant meal delivery. Local partners will also rent ski gear in the French Alps and boats in South Florida. Hosts get new tools later this fall: a multi-listing calendar, 3D floor plans, one-tap dynamic pricing, and AI summaries of their earnings.

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